Refusal of children runs against our nation’s history

July 11, 2014

We're not sure exactly what it means, but we find it interesting when a celebrity performs an act of charity and kindness then calls it "deadly to my career."

Radio and internet host Glen Beck will travel to McAllen Texas later this month with thousands of soccer balls, teddy bears and about 3,000 hot meals to children who have been identified as illegal immigrants.

Most of these children are considered refugees who have fled Central American nations.

There was a time, and not that long ago, when such an act would be viewed as, at the very least, philanthropic and at best heroic.

But not in today's political climate.

At many border locations, busses full of these children are greeted with protests and hostilaty. Many of these protestor don't seem to care where these children go or what will happen to them. They just don't want them here.

Beck, who certainly hasn't been known for his bleeding heart liberalism over the years, claims he is following the example of Jesus Christ, by giving to those in need.

It's not going over well with Beck's core followers and other. Beck said he's received death threats, violent emails saying he "betrayed the republic," and a drop off of donations to his Mercury One organization.

While we certainly understand the concerns of those who are concern with immigration issues and the federal laws that are bent if not broken by allowing these children to seek refuge, we cannot, in good conscience turn our back to the needs of suffering chidren, regardless of their immigrant status. Keep in mind this issue is more than a border issue involving border states. It became a Michigan issue, Wednesday.

A Lower Michigan social service agency's plans to house some Central American children at the Pioneer Work and Learn Center, a 145 bed juvenile facility near Vassar, drew protests.

The Associated Press reported protestors gathered outside Vassar High School where a meeting on the plan was to take place.

The important thing to keep in mind is that we're dealing with children. Youngsters who have no other place to go.

America was once a melting pot. Not only did our nation welcome refugees, we encouraged them. Apparently that was a long time ago. These days, apparently, our arms aren't as wide open as they once were.

We may not agree with the politics of the situation, but we don't feel turning our backs to children is the right way to go.

While Glenn Beck cites Jesus as his inspiration. We remember words inscribed on a tablet on a statue in New York Harbor.